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GARDEN STATE FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES THEIR 2016 RISING STAR WINNER
JERSEY BOYS’ JOSEPH RUSSO RECEIVES COVETED AWARD
Atlantic City, NJ,March 3, 2016 – The Garden State Film Festival (GSFF) is proud to announce that this year’s recipient of their annual Rising Star Award is accomplished actor Joseph Russo. The award was created to shine a spotlight on up-and-coming actors that have roots in New Jersey and have made impressive inroads in the film industry.
Joseph Russo is best known for his role as Joe Pesci in legend Clint Eastwood’s 2014 movie Jersey Boys. Russohas an extensive list of credits including Bones, Parks and Recreation, How I Met Your Mother, iCarlyand SyFy’sJersey Shore Shark Attack. Most recently in 2015, Russo appeared in the comedy #Lucky Number, alongside Malcolm Goodwin, Thomas Pelphery and Method Man. He currently produces, directs and stars in the comedy YouTube series Turbo & Joey with his close friend Jeremy Luke. Russo was born in Pequannock, New Jersey and is a graduate of Hofstra University.
"I am absolutely humbled, not only to have been nominated, but also to have actually won," said Russo. "I cannot wait to be included and watch all of the fantastic work at the Garden State Film Festival."
“Joseph is the perfect person to win this year’s award,” said GSFF’s Executive Director, Margaret Fontana. “His extraordinary talent, proven track record in the industry and passionate commitment to the art form serve as a shining example of the amazing talent coming from New Jersey that achieve their career aspirations.”
On Sunday, April 3 at 6:30PM, the public is invited to help celebrate Joey’s success as he receives his award at the Annual Black Tie Awards Dinner at The Claridge Hotel. Tickets are available here: bit.ly/21gtmst
Prior to Sunday’s dinner, the weekend includes film screenings, Thursday Meet the Filmmakers event, Friday Gala, after parties, panel discussions, Q&A sessions, an open casting call and a black-tie awards ceremony are offered to festival attendees.All events are open to the public. Weekend passes are $45 and provide access to all events (except the Black Tie Awards Dinner.) Individual screening tickets are $12. All can be purchased at where complete schedule information can be found.
This year the festival will feature 214 films from over 17 countries, host an open talent casting call, hold engaging panel discussions, opening and closing ceremonies and inspire the next generation of filmmakers. Ed Asner will return for his fourth GSFF and other well-known celebrities are slated to attend.
About the Garden State Film Festival:
The Garden State Film Festival was envisioned by 25-year film industry veteran Diane Raver and the late Hollywood actor Robert Pastorelli in 2002 and launched the following year. Since 2003, thousands of films have made their public premiers, hundreds of thousands of people from around the world have attended; and the total infusion of cash to local businesses since inception exceeds $5 million. Until 2013, it was held in Asbury Park, in and around the Convention Center complex. In 2014, it moved to Atlantic City with financial and operation support from the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA). GSFF now serves as a major component of the strategic plan to promote arts and culture in Atlantic City to re-establish the resort as the Mid-Atl. The GSFF is a 501-c-3 non-profit organization.
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